^ Shift into the "4" position. The transmission will downshift to fourth gear and engine braking will be enabled.

^ Shift into the "3" position. The transmission will downshift to third gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than 141 km/h (76 mph), and stronger engine braking will be enabled.

^ Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than 89 km/h (48 mph), and stronger engine braking will be enabled.

^Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed drops down to or lower than 40 km/h (21 mph), and maximum engine braking will be enabled.

Vehicles with cruise control—When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from "D" to "4", engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled.

For ways to decrease the vehicle speed, see "Cruise control" on page 181 in this Section.

/l\ CAUTION

Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to skid or spin.

(d) Using "3", "2" and "L" positions

The "3", "2" and "L" positions are used for strong engine braking as described previously.

With the selector lever in "3", "2" or "L", you can start the vehicle in motion as with the lever in "D".

With the selector lever in "3" or "2", the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift to third gear or second gear.

With the selector lever in "L", the transmission is engaged in first gear.

/l\ CAUTION

Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting.

NOTICE

♦ Be careful not to over-rev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the red zone. The approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is given below for your reference:

♦ Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time in the "3", "2" or "L" position. This may cause severe automatic transmission damage from overheating. To prevent such damage, "4" position should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.

(e) Backing up

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the "R" position.

3. With the brake pedal pressed down, shift the selector lever to the "P" position.

/l\ CAUTION

Never attempt to move the selector lever into "P" position under any circumstances while the vehicle is moving. Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result.

(g) Good driving practice

^ If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between fourth gear and overdrive when climbing a gentle slope, shift the selector lever to the "4" position. Be sure to shift the selector lever to the "D" position immediately afterward.

^ When towing a trailer, in order to maintain engine braking efficiency, do not use overdrive.

/l\ CAUTION

Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

NOTICE

Always use the brake pedal or the parking brake to hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can cause the transmission to overheat.

(h) If you cannot shift the selector lever out of "P" position

If you cannot shift the selector lever from "P" position even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For instructions, see "If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever" on page 355 in Section 4.

NOTICE

Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.

Shift with the brake pedal depressed.

(The ignition switch must be set at ON.)

Shift normally.

To select sequential position or "D", lean the selector lever leftward or rightward.

Shift with the brake pedal depressed.

(The ignition switch must be set at ON.)

Shift normally.

To select sequential position or "D", lean the selector lever leftward or rightward.

Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This means you can only shift out of "P" position when the brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition switch is set at ON).

Don't pay hundreds of dollars to find out what is wrong with your car. This book is dedicated to helping the do it yourself home and independent technician understand and use OBD-II technology to diagnose and repair their own vehicles.